The Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Colorado

It’s only a moment that Colorado’s landscape shows off, typically from the middle of September to mid-October. The aspen leaves will soon turn gold, and now is the time to plot your course.

Whether you prefer to venture by foot or on the wheels of a bike or vehicle, and whether you prefer to stay close to the Pikes Peak region or go far, we offer this guide.

Venture Outside of Colorado Springs

Fall on the west side of Pikes Peak, near Cripple Creek, when the aspens are turning. Photo Credit: mark byzewski (iFlickr.)

The go-to drive is Colorado 67, particularly the stretch weaving south toward Cripple Creek. On weekends, good luck finding a spot to pull over for photos. You’re better off driving onward to the trailheads for the Crags or Pancake Rocks, both very popular, challenging and always extraordinary.

Or keep it closer to Woodland Park and take the lesser-traveled Lovell Gulch Trail, a 5-mile loop among glowing stands. Another option, especially for families, is Catamount Ranch Open Space. It’s an under-appreciated slice of paradise at the end of Edlowe Road, the left turn going west on U.S. 24.

But what has local gold-seeking hikers excited recently is the Dixon Trail, which is in top shape after a soft opening last fall. It’ll be a long, hard journey from Cheyenne Mountain State Park, about 15 miles round trip. But finally, the famous summit is yours to discover. The Top of the Mountain Trail, the figure-eight circuit after Dixon, is shines with bountiful groves.

Eye 70

The displays are superb through the Interstate 70 corridor beyond the Denver metro — if you’re willing to bear the traffic.

Attempt an escape via Guanella Pass, which might not seem an escape as city dwellers flock to this dirt stretch above Georgetown on weekends. But it’s long enough and has enough foot paths for aficionados to find their own swaths.

The Booth Creek Trail, found off exit 180 toward Vail East, will take your breath away — not to mentioned the beauty. However short, it’s an uphill endeavor. Creek crossings and the cascading destination will refresh.

Go farther west on the interstate to Edwards for the moderate East Lake Creek Trail, with tall glades spotting the 4-mile round trip. A more family-friendly excursion is at Sylvan Lake State Park, with yellow hills framing the water.

Or, go the other way on 70, east to Breckenridge, pulling off the pavement for the aspen-covered Boreas Pass, scenic by car and bike. Riders also prize the French Gulch area, with singletrack braiding the place known as the “Golden Horseshoe.” The name is for the mining days but applies also to the foliage.

The other side of the Bells

After Aspen’s Maroon Bells, Colorado’s next-most famous scene is the Crystal Mill. It’s the 125-year-old wooden edifice perched above blue water, surrounded by enchanting woods, and it’s far more difficult to reach than the view of those twin peaks.

To get there, you’ll need a high-clearance, four-wheel drive or the grit to endure a 6-mile hike or bike ride on rocky road. Otherwise, consult an outfitter in nearby Marble for a Jeep or ATV. The hidden hamlet that produced the material for the Lincoln Memorial is well worth an autumn visit. An easier drive from town is the road toward the quarry, ending at a magnificent overlook of high peaks and hillsides awash with color.

It’s understandable if you can’t resist Aspen, less than 60 miles west. But rather than the Bells, how about opting for another Colorado rite of passage? That would be the 11-mile trip on the West Maroon Trail, spanning one postcard town to the next, Crested Butte.

If basing your leaf watch in CB, then Kebler Pass is the way to go. You might also look the other direction for a rugged, gorgeous drive on Tincup Pass, also requiring a four-wheeler. The road reaches above 12,000 feet, connecting with one of the state’s most photogenic ghost towns, St. Elmo.

Rush west

Front Range residents are wise to carve out staycation time around now, bound for the Western Slope. They’ll need time, all right, for the splendor amid the Centennial State’s most dramatic peaks.

The aspens are wall-to-wall on Owl Creek Pass, the gravel road boasting the epic scenery from “True Grit.” Chimney Rock and Courthouse Mountain are among the delights backdropping the painted forest.

East of Ridgway, a local favorite is the multiuse Lou Creek Trail. The 9-mile round trip will net you classic vistas of alpine lakes and San Juan Mountain glory accented by the aspens. A steeper trek with more rewards is through the glacial basin on the Blue Lakes Trail, topping out near 11,700 feet.

From Ouray, Red Mountain Pass is a fine way to see the grandeur surrounding the town and the mining history above. Get that plus the fresh air on the Perimeter Trail, the 6.5-mile ring in the woods overlooking town.

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